India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to lead the Indian men’s cricket team in the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting Saturday. The decision comes after Shubman Gill was released from the squad on Friday. Gill, who had taken over captaincy duties in Kolkata, suffered a sudden neck spasm while batting in the first innings of the opening Test and was subsequently hospitalised, ruling him out of the next fixture.
Pant acknowledged that stepping in for a one-off match is not the ideal scenario, but the 26-year-old emphasised that the honour of captaining India outweighs everything else.
“Definitely, a one-off match is not the best scenario as a captain. But at the same time, I’m really proud that BCCI has given me this opportunity. Whenever you’re leading your country, it’s the proudest moment,” Rishabh Pant said during the pre-match press conference.
WATCH – Pat Cummins Hints at Possible Ashes Comeback Date As Recovery Progresses Faster Than Expected
When questioned about his captaincy philosophy, Rishabh Pant revealed that he does not intend to rely solely on tradition or on aggression. Instead, he aims to strike a smart balance. He believes that mixing conventional cricketing wisdom with modern, out-of-the-box strategies will be key to tackling South Africa, who arrive in Guwahati with a 1-0 series lead.
.@RishabhPant17 set for Test captaincy debut, vows to lead with freedom and clarityhttps://t.co/BBgEt6X9ig
— The Telegraph (@ttindia) November 21, 2025
Pant also highlighted that one of his primary goals as a leader is to create an environment where players are empowered to take ownership and make strong decisions on the field.
“I want to be someone who gives that freedom. I want players to learn, grow and make the right decisions for the team eventually. That’s the real goal,” he said. He added that his own knowledge and experience would serve as a guiding tool rather than a restriction.
WATCH – Mark Wood’s Fiery Bouncer Floors Cameron Green During Intense Perth Test Battle
Addressing whether he can maintain his natural free-spirited approach while captaining, Rishabh Pant responded confidently. “I don’t think too much about that. I just want to give my 100 percent in whatever I’m doing and enjoy the game,” he stated. Pant confirmed that the official request to lead came on Thursday night. And in classic Pant humour, when asked if he had spoken to Gill, he smiled and said, “I speak to Gill every day.”
